Eljátszott életek

by Huma Qureshi, Ágnes Fordító (Translator)

“Olyan anyagból vagyunk szőve, mint álmaink” – szól Shakespeare híres mondata. De mi van akkor, ha az álmaink rémületesek, képmutatók és tele vannak emberi játszmákkal?

Huma Qureshi regényében egy női testvérpár sorsát követhetjük: egymással való küzdelmüket, kapcsolataikat, vágyaikat, csalódásaikat. A cím – Eljátszott életek – kétértelmű: egyszerre utal a veszteségre és a tehetetlen játszmázásra.

Az egyik testvér, Mira, színművet ír, miközben nővérével, Hanával mindketten szerepet játszanak. Az elkészült mű tükörként működik. Egyiküknek sem könnyű belenéznie.

Van-e kiút a gyerekkorból eredő, körénk épült és időközben megcsontosult érzelmi pokolból? Mit jelent a valódi közelség és a valódi kapcsolódás? Létezhet-e katarzis hétköznapi életünk kézzelfogható tragédiáiban, vagy az csupán a színházi drámák sajátja? Ezekre a kérdésekre keresi a választ ez a bátor és őszinte könyv. Függönyt fel, kedves olvasó – kezdődik az előadás!

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Literary Fiction, Novels, Adult Fiction

326 pages, Paperback

First published November 9, 2023

About the author

I started my career on The Observer and The Guardian and worked as a reporter and features writer across consumer news, news and the life and style sections before going freelance to write my first book, In Spite of Oceans, published in 2014 by The History Press. In Spite of Oceans received the John C. Laurence Award from The Authors’ Foundation.

In 2021, I saw two books published: How We Met: A Memoir of Love and Other Misadventures (January, 2021), with Elliott & Thompson, and my debut short story collection, Things We Do Not Tell The People We Love (November 2021), with Sceptre. Sceptre will also be publishing my debut novel, which I am currently writing. My essay, By Instinct, appears in The Best Most Awful Job: Twenty Writers Talk Honestly About Motherhood (2019).

I am represented by Laurie Robertson at Peters, Fraser + Dunlop.

Reviews

[Humaira · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful piece of work highlighting sisters and their complexities.

As an older sister, I definitely saw myself a lot in this book and found Hana and Mira’s complicated relationship very believable.

I always wonder how writers or creatives can be inspired by real life events and how this might effect people they love, and this book answers that question.

This book not only explores the sister dynamic but the dynamic of a marriage and what happens when one partner wants children but the other does not.

There’s a lot of mention of trying to conceive and a miscarriage so it can be triggering for some people but other than that this is a book that definitely makes you think.

[Jess Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟 wonderful! This was not a big book but it sure packed a lot in. The sister dynamic is frustratingly relatable and at times really sad. I cried. Themes include relationships, sisterhood, marriage, pregnancy and storytelling. The exploration of art and writing other people’s stories is so interesting. Worth a read!

[Selina mcpherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book firstly appeared as a light-hearted and an easy read that follows two main characters down different paths in life. However, very quickly, it was apparent that the book grips the reader quickly and takes them on a journey exploring the unfair and harsh reality of life; including themes such as marriage / sibling and family issues.

I found it fascinating that I was drawn to both main characters. I found myself comparing me to character H who finds herself in a difficult marriage. The constant mood swings H illustrates is so brilliantly written, because I was able to understand why she was acting the way she was, however desperately wishing she were able to open-up more and seek help from others. Would things have ended up differently if she had? I really liked that this novel had me thinking about it while I was doing things throughout the day. I was thinking about the characters, and feeling a variety of emotions for them.

I feel this novel is special because it uses 'every day themes' (such as marriage / relationships / family dramas), which means the reader can put themselves easily in the characters shoes and feel deep emotions and connections. This book certainly grasped me - as it explored issues that the reader can relate to, as well as scenarios that the reader can picture themselves in.

[Dibz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing Games by Huma Qureshi finally got me out of my mammoth reading slump, so it get's 5 stars for that.

The novel follows sister, Mira and Hana. Hana is a typical Type A personality. She has a great career; a great house; a seemingly great marriage. She feels she is in the perfect place for children with her husband, Samir. She is definitely doing a lot better than her sister Mira, who pours all her time and effort into trying to become a playwright. One fateful night Mira overhears an argument between Hana and her husband Samir. Things said in the argument inspire Mira to start writing a new play, that may be her meal ticket.

Playing Games is a quiet book about family dynamics, creative aspirations and relationship breakdowns. There isn't all that much that happens and anything that does happen the reader can see from a mile away. However, it's still a great read. I finished the audiobook in one day, going on 1.5 x speed to find out what happens next.

I read a few of Qureshi's short stories in her last book and I definitely think she has a great ability to bringing to life real people and their interpersonal issues

[Kate Goulter · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ A different style of writing than what I’m used to, which took me a bit to get into to - meant I felt like I was watching the characters rather than living through them. The sister dynamic I also found sad and frustrating, while also being very glad for the close and healthy relationship I share with my sister. Was a quick read and made for some interesting reflections on the overlap of art, relationships and where inspiration comes from

[Sarah Pollok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for anyone who loved Yellowface. Totally different premise but the same topic on what is ours to take, and the line between fact and fiction. Really enjoyed!

[Bukola Akinyemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of about sisterhood, marriage, fertility, passion and careers.

Mira is a playwright and younger sister to Hana, a divorce lawyer. Mira’s career has not really taken off yet but she’s working hard at it much to the dislike of her older sister who thinks she should get a ‘real job’.

I love how the characters in this book came to life. How the ‘perfect life’ and ‘perfect marriage’ unveils under scrutiny. How chasing one’s passion is explored irrespective of what others, even our nearest and dearest think.

A tiny detail in the book brought me much joy, Mira’s outfit was described and I noticed it was what she wore in the cover picture. Sometimes it’s the little things.

Love in different forms. Family dynamics, betrayal and forgiveness are also well explored in this book.

The writing stlye is very accessible and engaging all the way. A totally enjoyable book that everyone should read.

[Ewuramba Sackey-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be speaking too soon when I say this may be my favorite book of the year, but sometimes, when you know, you know. I’ve loved Huma Qureshi’s writing since discovering her through her short story collection Things We Do Not Tell The People We Love – it’s one of those books I recommend to anyone who asks (and so, I’d say check it out if you haven’t already).

Playing Games is a heartfelt story about two sisters, Hana and Mira, navigating the complexities of sisterhood. Hana is a lawyer, while Mira, the younger sister, is an artist trying to find her footing. Their relationship is filled with ups and downs, with both sisters struggling to reconcile their pasts, their ambitions, and their bond with each other. As the story unfolds, their familial ties are tested, leading them to confront the weight of unspoken tensions and the unresolved issues from their family’s past.

I’m a sucker for books about sisters and familial relationships, and I think Huma writes so well about the complexities of these relationships. One of Huma Qureshi’s strengths is capturing the essence of human connections—she brings to life the strained relationships between sisters, mothers and daughters, and other familial ties in a way that feels incredibly relatable. The frustrations, the weight of unspoken things, and the little moments that slowly unravel relationships are all portrayed beautifully. I particularly enjoyed her short story collection for this reason—it’s like she takes you on a journey, giving you glimpses into the tiny things that end up breaking relationships down. Simply put, Huma gives a clear picture of what it means to be human.

Hana and Mira’s journey navigating sisterhood was both frustrating and sad. If you have sisters, you’ll understand their dynamic—it was messy, but you could see how much they meant to each other. It doesn’t get more human than this. I particularly felt empathy for Hana’s character. While she made some questionable choices, it was clear that her mother’s career choices (and eventual death) deeply affected her, influencing how she related to her sister and husband. There were countless moments when I wanted to hug her because, as a first daughter myself, I can completely understand the struggle of balancing being a second parent, sister, and friend to your siblings.

While the book centered on the sisters' lives, I also loved how it explored the themes of marriage, identity, and grief. Hana’s desire to have a child, while her husband didn’t share the same wish, added another layer to her emotional journey. This dynamic and the emotional toll it took on her made her eventual growth even more powerful. Through these struggles, Hana ultimately came home to herself—finding a sense of self-acceptance after grappling with these deeply personal challenges.

In summary, this is a beautifully written, poignant book that explores the messiness of sisterhood and the complexities of family dynamics. If you love stories about the bonds that shape us, I highly recommend this. I’m grateful to the author for my review copy!

[sinead ganly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I AM HANA!! Hana is highly strung, head strong and hot-headed yet sensitive and forever aiming for self improvement and finding peace even if she finds it a challenge. Adored the character development in this story and seeing both sisters find solace in their own different ways! Found it slow initially but it was just a fab, fulfilling read. Still unsure where the title may have come from; does it revert back to the idea of the two being sisters and ‘playing games’ when they were younger or is it merely that adulthood or a big game OR is it to incorporate the theme of motherhood and kids playing games (possibly a stretch?) anyway I loved!!🥰

[Tilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do I give a more “serious” book higher stars than lighter reads? Sometimes I wonder. I enjoyed this, two characters of the sisters were well drawn and had a believably strained relationship. I liked that no one was a messy millennial, but they still had things to work through!

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

probs more like a 2.5!

[Sarah (sarahanneisreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Daniela Curdoglo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about two sisters, so different from each-other and unable to communicate with one another. A reminder that there is nothing as pure as sisterly love! A must read!

[Ellen Christofi Johansson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5!

[Rav E · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice book that captures the frustrations and joys of having a sister so well

[Türkan · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Charlotte Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. Predictable page turner and a much needed palette cleanser after all the depressing books I’ve read lately

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @sceptrebooks for this copy!

Simply put, Playing Games is a masterclass in novels about sisterhood. I love how versatile this author is: from non-fiction to short stories and now a novel, readers are in for a treat. I felt as though I was living in Hana and Mira’s world - the characters jumped off the page - a slamming of a door, an unanswered text, an argument, I devoured this book!

Eldest sister Hana has it all going for her; a beautiful house, a husband, a flourishing legal career but without a child, life for her isn’t complete. Her and Samir agreed they’d wait until her training was done, until his business was off the ground, but did he really agree? Is their marriage really picture perfect?
Hana’s frustrations and burdens as the eldest sibling find their way into most conversations with her younger sister, Mira. Unable to share her innermost thoughts with either sister or husband made me feel for Hana and Mira’s attempts at breaking down the walls were heartfelt. Meanwhile, Mira is trying to make ends meet and struggling to write this play that she’s been harping on about, Hana finds it difficult to get onboard with her younger sister’s aspirations. But is Mira really the one with the issue?

With glimmers of the short story The Wishes plus the underlying themes of love, loneliness, the dissonance that the unspoken can cause in relationships, Huma has crafted an emotional story that deserves all the flowers. I cannot wait for everyone to read it!

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

You are an instant buy for me as I loved your first book.
This was disappointing and I'm not sure if it was the fault of the narrator. (The American accent was unnecessary.)
My main question is, why do you have to always write about miserable Asian girls?

I did finish the book so overall I liked something. 3 stars for me which is a solid 6 out of 10 and sounds better than 3.

[Kyle Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Eleanor Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

*2.75 stars, rounded up

[hmm 💮 · Rating 4 out of 5]

acc felt bad for hana in the end

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read two of Huma's books. 'How we Met' and 'Things we do not tell the people we love' and would recommend them both. She's a great writer.

This is her first novel. It's about two sisters. Hana seemingly has it all together and is successful. She's married and yearns for a baby but her husband doesn't seem as keen. Mira is the younger sister and an aspiring writer and wants to write Plays. She works in a Cafe (I don't know why but everytime the Cafe was in a scene I always pictured it as the Cafe in Fleabag!) and rents a room from a girl she doesn't particularly like.

It would seem Hana can be an annoying sister but she doesn't quite realise it. Her husband is always sticking up for Mira and how Hana speaks to her. One night when Mira has been invited over for dinner she hears them arguing and eavesdrops. She's struggling with the Play that she is writing that she will submit to a Competition and so Hana and her husband's argument gets her creative juices flowing and she starts writing a different Play that seems very similar to what Hana is going through and uses a couple of phrases that Hana said in the argument.

I liked Hana and Mira and I liked the story. I have sisters myself and so I could relate to their relationship dynamic. I did find most of the plot was predictable so there were no plot twists! I really loved the very end when Mira saw that Hana had all Mira's favourite authors on her bookshelves.

This is a good debut novel from Huma but I do feel the writing wasn't as exceptional as in her previous two books I've read. It pains me to say that as I follow Huma on Instagram and she comes across as a really lovely person and very dedicated to her craft.

As always with Huma, her dedications to her husband and three sons always brings a tear to my eye and the dedication for this book was even more tear jerking with the dedication she wrote to her sons.

I look forward to reading more of Huma's novels and wish her continued success in her writing.

ARC provided by Netgalley.

[Nish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about two sisters navigating their way through life, love, hope, grief, betrayal, careers, major life decisions, a story about resilience when things are not in your control and not going your way, a story that says, sometimes, it's simply about choosing yourself.

Hana and Mira are two sisters at two different stages of their life. Older sister Hana is 33, married, an established family lawyer at a big city firm; husband, house and career sorted, she is figuring out the next stage in her relationship. Younger sister Mira, is 31, having dropped out of Uni in her 20s she now works in a coffee shop whilst attending playwriting classes at the local bookshop on a weekly basis, trying to nurture the now dwindling passion of her youth and finding the inspiration to finish a single piece of writing (the ability to finish a whole play itself feeling close to impossible).

I loved this book so much, the author's writing style just adds magic to the words on the page and so many scenarios within the narrative - which could be anyone and everyone's story - are presented with such nuance and sensitivity; often I was stumped at how emotive and charged the interaction became between Hana and Mira that the words really hit home and I was invested in the main characters. They're not conventionally likeable either - Hana is a perfectionist, proper almost to a fault and impatient with her time whereas Mira comes across as disorganised, constantly late and in every sense the complete opposite of her big sister that they could be considered each other's extreme. In the same breath, they are deeply honest, real and raw, I could identify with traits in one if not both of them and, as a reader, I just wanted to give them both a hug. This book was very relateable and one I would recommend to everyone. Will automatically read more books by Huma Qureshi too - officially a fan. Such a beautiful story which will stay with me for a long time.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engaging, beautifully and promptly written.
This book explored many intense human experiences and emotions without beating around the bush nor lacking enough details to paint a clear picture. Finished it in a few days and got me out of a bit of a reading slump ;)


The siblings dynamic reminded me of Fleabag and Claire, where the older sibling had to bear more responsibility and therefore withholds an enormous pressure on her shoulders in her adulthood. The fact that she’s often seen as rigid or not fun makes things worse, makes her feel misunderstood and like she can’t open up to people. In some moments she even involuntarily turns into a mother figure, which despite her care makes her come across as judgemental or joy kill. The younger sibling is more reckless, more sensitive, more expressive, thus coming across as more charismatic and charming. In contrast to her older sibling, she always feel like a mess. To me, the takeaway of this book should me that despite the fact thatsiblings’ love is often resilient and no-matter-what, the bond should never be taken for granted, it should be nurtured and changed to reflect the adult siblings now living in it.


[minor spoilers below]
I found the relationship between the two siblings moving and realistic. For example, the fact that Hana and Mira really cared about each other, but had different ways of expressing that, which unfortunately often meant that the good intentions of one towards the other were misinterpreted; the fact that both them developed relationships with many people, yet when it came to one other, they found it hard to be together in a different way than when they were young. It’s also interesting to see how the same event, their entire childhood even, is perceived so differently by the two characters and how it shaped them uniquely.

[Keriann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgally for sending this to me for review.

I didn't really know what to expect going into this book, usually slower character studies can be a bit hit or miss for me, however I absolutely adored this book with my whole heart.

We meet two sister:
Hana who is married to a man called Samir, Hana is a bit of a girl boss and is very career focused however after a miscarriage from an unplanned pregnancy decides she wants to have a baby, her husband however is a bit hit and miss about the whole thing.

Mira is working in a cafe trying to find her mojo to focus on her dream of play writing and enter a prize to see her play be put into production, one evening after Hana and her husband has a huge argument Mira uses this as the base line for her play.

I don't have a sister and I grew up an only child so I felt that the sisterhood element of this story wouldn't quite work for me but oh my, it was very hard hitting and felt real and very raw, we follow the sisters complex relationship and the up and downs they share while trying to navigate all the things going on in their lives, we see them break a part and come back together many times and I just absolutely loved the way it is portrayed in the novel.

There is also a large focus on fertility and trying for a baby and the impact that can have on not only you as a person but the relationships you are part of, at times I felt Hana's desperation while other times I just wanted to shake her.

The characters here aren't likeable but they feel very real, they are complex and make mistakes but the writer made me feel every emotion with these characters, she made me feel sorry for them, cry along with them and be their biggest cheerleaders when things went right.

I can't gush about this book enough and highly recommend you pick it up today!!

[Amna Waqar · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Here it is, playing out in front of her eyes - a story about love and marriage, expectation and disappointment, two people wanting different things, just waiting to be written, to be grabbed, daring her to want it enough to try."

Playing Games is about sisters Hana and Mira. They share the same birthday, two years apart. They are polar opposites; Hana has a successful career as a divorce lawyer. She comes across as composed, practical and determined and is married to Samir. Mira, the younger of the two is struggling to make ends meet. Having dropped out of university after their mum died, she works at a cafe and is also attempting to write a play in order to win the coveted Hadley Prize. The relationship between the sisters is strained and formal to a certain extent.

After suffering a miscarriage, Hana is determined to conceive another baby. Samir seems indifferent and is no hurry to become a father. It is Hana's extreme determination to have a baby that leads their relationship becoming fractured - an almost deliberate undoing of a marriage. Mira overhears them arguing one night and this argument becomes the inspiration for the play she begins to write.

Huma Qureshi truly has a way with words that draws the reader completely into the story. She realistically brought out the characters' emotions and vulnerabilities. There were several times when it was frustrating to read about the lack of communication between not only Hana and Samir, but the sisters as well. The complexities of the characters made the story engaging and Playing Games did not disappoint.

My thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things We Do Not Tell the People We Love is one of my favourite short story collections, so I had high hopes for Huma Qureshi’s debut novel, Playing Games, and it did not disappoint.

Playing Games is a deeply emotional narrative captured through the intertwined lives of two sisters, Hana and Mira, who are bound by their shared sorrow over their mother’s death. This loss profoundly shapes both their relationship and individual aspirations.

Hana, a successful divorce lawyer, embodies control and perfectionism, while Mira, a university dropout, who longs to be a playwriter, grapples with writer’s block and a feeling of being stuck. Their differing personalities creates a dynamic mix of tension and affection. Mira’s play, inspired by a heated argument between Hana and her husband, Samir, raises questions about the line between personal experience and artistic expression.

Qureshi’s novel delves into themes of loss, ambition, and the often unspoken love within families. By shifting between Hana and Mira’s perspectives, it authentically portrays sibling dynamics with moments of affection, irritation, and misunderstanding. As Mira’s play unfolds, it mirrors her struggles and reveals deeper issues in Hana’s life, enriching the narrative.

Qureshi’s portrayal of the sisters is marked by honesty and rawness, making them deeply relatable. Her writing is engaging and emotionally resonant, capturing the essence of sisterhood and highlighting that, despite fractures, the journey of healing and understanding is what truly matters. Playing Games is a moving exploration of family bonds, art, and personal sacrifices.
I loved every moment of it. It made me laugh and cry, and it has firmly established Huma Qureshi as an auto buy author.

A HUGE thank you to @humaqureshiwriter for gifting me a copy of this beautiful book 💙

[Deswita Refika · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book "Playing Games" by Huma Qureshi is the fantastic guide about marriage 's life and sisterhood relationship.
This book has a romance genre and family story. This is a five star book.

This book tells about the complicated and problems relationship in marriage 's life and sisterhood relationship. The solutions and pattern of marriage 's pattern and role of the marriage 's couple.

This book inspiring all of the marriage 's couple and sisterhood relationship. This book based on the real life events, by the true story of sister dynamic and the effects to marriage 's pattern. I recommend this book to read to appreciate and believe to our strong foundation of sister relationship and how to forgiveness to our sister and our couple of marriage.

There are two main characters in this book. They are Hana, and Mira as the sisterhood relationship.
Hana as the old sister have all the perfect life including a perfect marriage, perfect job and perfect home. And Mira, the younger sister, has a mess, and working at a local cafe. Mira can't find the right inspiration for her writing. One night, they are fight and Hana's husband sparks something in Mira.

The best lessons from this book is Family is number one. Trust is everything for marriage 's life. This novel is so unique and full of family dramas.
This novel shows all emotions of the main characters.
It gives the readers a reference and guide for marriage 's life and sisterhood relationship. We can't buy a sister. Family is number one in our life.